They Shall Be Known As

Dear ___________________,

In his Last Will & Testament, Togo devised and bequeathed honorary citizenship status in Casa de Togo on all of his friends and readers. What he didn’t specify is what citizens of this imaginary commonwealth might be called.

Togo’s Last Walk

The west African nation of Togo is formally named “The Togolese Republic.” Its people are, thus, the Togolese. Togo liked their flag and couldn’t be convinced that the country wasn’t named for him. But I’m sure he would agree that it would be confusing at the United Nations if his people were also called the Togolese. In fact, it would be downright annoying with people having to constantly ask, “When you say Togolese, are you referring to the friends of Togo or to people who live in the nation of Togo?”

I made a list of other possibilities for your consideration:

• Togonians. Sounds a bit like a plant species.

• Togolodites. Nice sense of the historic. Almost primitive. Perhaps prehistoric?

• Togashians. Opens the door to some reality TV possibilities.

• Togorenes. Perhaps a little fruity with citrus overtones.

• Togo MaJalians. You can almost smell the curry.

• Togocites. Leans toward infestation. But that doesn’t have to be a bad thing.

• Togodians. Provocative. Assertive.

• Togonauts. Denotes movement or travel. Think “TogAH, the ExplorAH.”

• Togots. Maybe too close to something Arf2D2 might suggest.

I think we are beginning to see why Togo remained silent on this topic.

“Names are not always what they seem.”
Mark Twain, Following the Equator:
― A Journey Around the World

Perhaps a common branding of those who share an affection for something innocent and simple — like a dog and his stories — serves no good purpose. The power of such a group is in its diversity, the flavors of all creation. I’m pretty sure Togo would simply call you “friends.” And under that moniker you may remain who you are. And Togo would say, “Please do.”

Dear friends of Togo . . .

The View from Casa de Togo